Cherries From Italy Add Pizzazz To Chicken Entree

Darlene Weatherly of Bellevue says the chicken dish with cherries served at Nicolino Ristorante Italiano, 317 N.W. Gilman Blvd., Issaquah, is one of the best entrees she has ever eaten. She gives it a "WOW!"

Cherries from Italy, a little white wine, a little sweet red vermouth and nutmeg give this specialty its flavor accents.

The boneless, skinless chicken breasts are pan fried, then kept warm while the sauce is prepared.

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NICOLINO POLLO ALLA AMARENE 4 servings

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

About 3 tablespoons flour

2 teaspoons butter

3 to 4 teaspoons oil

Freshly grated nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons finely chopped yellow onion

2 tablespoons dry white wine

2 tablespoons sweet red vermouth (or substitute port wine)

1/4 cup whipping cream

16 Italian Amarene cherries (see note)

1 to 2 teaspoons cherry juice

Optional: 1 tablespoon finely minced parsley

1. Separate the chicken breasts into halves and pound lightly between sheets of plastic wrap. Dredge in flour.

2. In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 teaspoon butter and 1 to 2 teaspoons oil over medium heat until hot. Cook 2 of the chicken breasts at a time, about 3 minutes per side until cooked. Season with a little freshly grated nutmeg, salt and pepper. Remove from the pan and keep warm. Repeat with the remaining chicken.

3. Remove the second batch of chicken from the pan and keep warm. Add the onion to the pan and saute 3 minutes. Add the white wine and vermouth; bring to a boil. Add the cream. Put the chicken back into the pan and simmer a few minutes until thickened. Add cherries and juice. Simmer 2 minutes and serve, garnished with a little parsley if desired.

Note: Bottled Amarene cherries can be found at DeLaurenti Italian market, but are very expensive. A good substitute would be sour cherries in syrup, also available at DeLaurenti.

Data per serving Calories 286 Protein 25g Fat 14g Carbohydrates 12g Sodium 219mg Saturated fat 6g Monounsaturated fat 4g Polyunsaturated fat 3g Cholesterol 91mg